Pharma.Aero and the International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) have partnered on the Food and Farm for Health project to strengthen air cargo's role in expanding healthcare access and supporting economic growth in low- and middle-income countries.
The initiative, developed in collaboration with the Cool Chain Association and the Humanitarian Logistics Association, focuses on leveraging air freight to transport life-saving medicines and locally grown agricultural products.
Frank Van Gelder, Secretary General of Pharma.Aero, said the Food and Farm for Health Project is designed to address both healthcare access and economic development in low- and middle-income countries.
"The Food and Farm for Health Project is about leveraging air cargo to address two critical needs in low- and middle-income countries: healthcare access and economic empowerment," Van Gelder said.
"We, at Pharma.Aero, recognized a critical gap and initiated this project to use air cargo as a dual-purpose tool: flying in life-saving pharmaceuticals and medical supplies while flying out perishable agricultural products—like fruits, vegetables, and flowers—from local farmers to Western markets."
The initiative aims to maximize air cargo's potential by creating a more efficient, cost-effective trade route, supporting both medical supply distribution and agricultural exports.
In the joint announcement, Pharma.Aero and TIACA said the strategy seeks to use return-flight cargo space for exports, providing farmers access to international markets while cutting transportation costs for medical supplies.
"By utilizing available cargo space on return flights, we create a more cost-effective, efficient trade route. This approach not only ensures faster access to essential medicines and vaccines but also opens new market opportunities for farmers, boosting local economies and providing better access to international markets," Van Gelder said.
Steven Polmans, chair of TIACA, highlighted air cargo's broader impact.
"Air cargo is more than a mode of transport — it's a critical lifeline for economies and communities across the globe," he said.
"The completion of our Global Market Evolution Analysis marks a major milestone in understanding how perishable goods and pharmaceuticals move, especially in regions where access means everything. From Kenya's flower exports supporting millions of jobs to India's seafood sector driving billions in trade, our work confirms that airfreight is a catalyst for opportunity, health, and resilience."
The project will assess global air cargo movements and their economic impact, tying them to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. It reinforces the organisation's shared commitment to strengthening access to healthcare and economic resilience.
Ian Buck, board member of the Cool Chain Association, said partnerships across sectors are necessary for the initiative's success. "Partnerships, connections and balance, as in so many areas of life, is going to be key to the success of this groundbreaking initiative."
George Fenton, CEO of the Humanitarian Logistics Association, noted the importance of logistics in delivering humanitarian aid efficiently. "The aid sector recognises the need to change but struggles to bring about transformation through evolution. There is a huge need to find innovative ways to strengthen local supply chain capability."
"The air cargo industry is vital to the fast delivery of humanitarian aid, yet the last mile is still the greatest challenge. The Food and Farm for Health project will provide valuable insights to support effective, sustainable, change through improved cross-sector coordination, collaboration and knowledge sharing," Fenton added.
The initiative reflects a growing focus on integrating economic and humanitarian needs within air cargo operations, with stakeholders emphasizing the potential for long-term impact.
